Missing Mass (Again) This Weekend

I absolutely hate missing Mass. Unfortunately, either the crazy weather or something has been preventing me from attending Mass regularly. That's what happens when you lack transportation. Sometimes it's been pleasantly nice outside, but cold enough to keep indoors (walking the two miles to and from Mass in the cold is very sometimes bad for me and I end up in major pain.) Today's culprit: my anxiety and my mother's flu.

Anyone who knows me knows that if one of my parents were to be sick, I'd give any outing to stay at home to take care of them. I did this with my dad when he was alive and I've done it with my mom for as long as I can remember. It's just in my nature to do this -- I love to take care of people when they're sick and/or unable to do something. There have been a couple of times where I still went to Mass even though one of my parents was sick... but that was when I had both of them in the house. Now that it's just mom and I, and considering how sick she was today, I decided to stay at home and make sure she was alright.

I'll admit that part of the decision was also, like I said, based on the fact that my anxiety's been a pain in the tush lately. It's not bad enough to keep me from Mass (if I had transportation) but I do feel weak enough to be unsure if I'd make the two mile walk. For those of you who didn't know: anxiety and depression is physically debilitating at times.

So, as much as I hate missing Mass, I am trying not to beat myself too much because it's not like I wanted to miss Mass. I loathe it. I confess it every time I do miss Mass (and every time the priest tells me that it wasn't a sin because it was out of my control.) I am going to make start offering up the missed Masses (and by subsequent frustration/sadness) to the souls in purgatory. Trust me, I've been known to openly weep in front of everyone when I can't go to Mass.

I have the option of watching Mass via EWTN en Español but sometimes it doesn't seem like enough. Any tips/suggestions on what to do when you (I) miss Mass? All are welcomed and appreciated.

Alright, I think that's all the (sort of) ranting I can do. lol.

As always, thanks for reading and God Bless.

I Know, I'm Sorry!; WYD2008 Opening Mass, Rumor; Miracles.

I KNOW, I KNOW... I'm SORRY! It's taken me a week to post another blog but I've been so busy with so many things. Summertime, not counting the past two summers, is normally my busy time. Summers of 2006 and 2007 weren't because I was very sick. This summer, I'm still a bit sick (but, really, it's mainly my anxiety which has been under control lately) but not enough to keep me from doing other things. Or, at least, I am not letting it keep me from having a busy schedule. I took a road trip this past Friday, which went very well. I was surprised how well it went! It's been the most successful one I've been on in years! Whoo! :D Despite the insane traffic and the heat, I actually enjoyed myself and didn't worry about getting sick. Whoo! :D I have a pretty mellow week this week (well, that I know of) so I hope to start blogging for often again. I'll admit it, I sincerely miss being able to blog every day, or every other day.

I caught the opening Mass of World Youth Day 2008 on EWTN en Español last night/this morning. I was way too excited about it. I even thought to myself, if I'm excited now that I'm watching it on T.V., I can't imagine how ecstatic I'll be at the next one (which I hope, and plan, to be at). I was blessed enough to meet some of the pilgrims that were going to Sydney before they left to fly out there and I'm so excited for them! May the Lord protect them, and may they have a safe flight back to their homes. I can't wait to hear how it went (I've already been promised pictures and videos of the trip). Anyway, back to the Mass (see how easily I can veer off-track? lol), I honestly enjoyed the entire thing... even though I had to stay up until 2 in the morning to watch it. That's what happens when you're about 17-18 hours behind them. It was completely worth it though! I understood 3 of the languages spoken (English, Spanish, and Italian) and a bit of other (French). I got a bit choked up when I saw the U.S. and Mexican flags together. Yeah, I know... I'm a big dork. lol. I loved seeing how everyone was mixed and that people didn't care whether they were near other people of their countries. I saw the Irish flag mixed with Germany, Spanish and African flags. Canadians mixed with Koreans. It was an amazing sight. I'm hoping and praying that I will be able to attend the next WYD in 2011... which is rumored to be held in Spain. Hey, I'm just repeating the rumor that's going around with the pilgrims (which I heard through EWTN en Español). I really hope it is! I would love to attend my first WYD in a country I love -- a country in which I know the language and foods. lol. :D Although, it gets VERY hot in Spain in the summer. Eh, to be able to go, I wouldn't mind the heat! :) Wherever it'll be held (we won't find out until Sunday's closing Mass), I am so there!

OH! And, before I forget, I was so overjoyed to hear that 27 Iraqis were granted visas to go to WYD! I almost cried (happy tears) when I heard that! Originally, I think they were only going to allow 10 visas because of fears that they would stay in Australia instead of going back but granted 27. It's still a VERY low number but I'm just glad that those people were able to fly to Sydney and participate. :D You can read more about this story here (pre-WYD/original news) and here (latest news).

Another miracle that has happened... I've gotten my father to attend Mass with me. Twice in less than a week. Yes, I did the impossible! WHOO! I even got to introduce him to Fr. Leo on Sunday. I was far too excited. :D It's a true miracle because I couldn't get him to Mass. I tried but he always used excuses until I finally broke him down. Or, I like to think that I broke him down. lol. We have a new priest at my parish (or new to me -- I hadn't been attending Mass for a month because of the virus that took nearly 2 months to get out of my system), so I was happy about that as well. He was awesome; very funny. :D Needless to say, I had an amazing Sunday. First time in a month I'd attended Mass... first time in MONTHS that I'd gotten my Father to go willingly... no anxiety, no stress, no illness. *content sigh* I hope to have repeat experiences from now on. :D

Okay, well, it's still early in the day and I want to do something other than sit in front of my computer. Hope everyone is enjoying/enjoyed their day! Watch the WYD celebrations if you can! They are aired on EWTN and EWTN en Español. I believe it's broadcast worldwide You can also watch it on EWTN's website (if I am not mistaken). In fact, I will post a link on the right hand panel, under the Bella link, so you can watch it live from your computer. :D.

Everyone take care, thanks for reading, and God Bless. :D
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